Athersys Inc presented data supporting its MultiStem programmes in cardiovascular disease, neurological disease and immune system modulation, and highlighted advancements in other areas, including progress in its drug development programme in the area of obesity. The findings were described in a series of presentations by leading researchers, clinicians and collaborators at the company's annual Investor/Research & Development Day held in New York City. Members of the Athersys senior management team presented alongside distinguished panelists and provided updates on the company's programmes including acute myocardial infarction, graft vs. host disease, ischemic stroke, inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.

"This annual event allows us to share some exciting new data, as well as provide important clinical insight and perspective on our technologies and recent progress from key thought leaders as we pursue our mutual goal of developing new therapies to treat patients with critically unmet medical needs," said Gil Van Bokkelen, chairman and chief executive officer of Athersys. "We were pleased to be joined by these highly respected researchers and experts to discuss the challenges facing doctors and patients today and, importantly, how we can use our capabilities to develop safer and more effective new medicines."

This presentations provided an overview of Athersys' relevant therapeutic target markets, a description of the results of internal and collaborative research and clinical programmes, and an outline of the development path for certain programmes.

"As described by the team of investigators presenting here today, we are learning more about the biology of these cells and their therapeutic potential," said Dr McKernan. "The Pfizer and Athersys teams are working well together and we look forward to evaluating the potential of MultiStem in our clinical studies."

MultiStem is a patented and proprietary cell therapy product consisting of a special class of stem cells that are obtained from the bone marrow or other tissue sources of healthy, consenting adult donors, and which have the demonstrated ability to produce a range of factors, as well as form multiple cell types.

Athersys is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of therapeutic product candidates designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life.